Ladybird Guide to Spacecraft Communications Training Course 2027

The Ladybird Guide to Spacecraft Communications Training Course is a five-day, hands-on training organised by the ESA Academy for engineering students. The course includes lectures, group discussions, real-case presentations, simulations and practical exercises on spacecraft communications and operations. Participants work on team projects, simulate operational manoeuvres with OPS-SAT Space Lab, and visit ESA ESEC-Redu facilities. Successful participants receive a certificate of participation and a course transcript which may be used to request ECTS credits.

Lectures, hands-on exercises and simulations; visit to ESA ESEC-Redu; sponsorship covering accommodation and meals; up to €350 travel support; certificate of participation and course transcript.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have no or limited professional experience in relevant engineering or space-related topics, be nationals of an ESA Member State, Canada or an Associate Member, and be enrolled as a Bachelor, Master (MSc or equivalent) or PhD student in engineering for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Apply through ESA Learn by uploading a motivation letter (PDF, max 1 page), CV (Europass PDF, max 2 pages), formal recommendation letter (PDF, max 1 page) and transcript of grades. If a referee cannot upload the recommendation, they may email it to academy.training@esa.int.